Fibre products are gradually increasing in both the national and international markets. This new market demand has created innumerable opportunities for investment, research, improved technologies and awareness on innovative approaches and trends into developing a viable micro enterprise that would benefit rural communities. In the context of Nepal, the marketing, product development, and technology aspects is still primitive. It is deemed imperative that focus on more research and capacity building be emphasized to strengthen existing local and indigenous production so that successful and innovative strategies are adopted and replicated for improved product development, promotion, pricing, distribution and diversification of products.

Research and Opportunities

HNFF continues to conduct and advocate research and solicit collaboration in the following areas:

1) Scienfic research on Himalayan giant nettle cultivation and sustainable micro enterprise establishment for poverty reduction

2) Step-by-step research on allo harvesting and processing and develop better techniques and technologies

3) Scientific research on the medicinal value of allo plant (allo cloth cures skin diseases, controls blood pressure, cures diabetes, and it is deemed sacred in Kulung culture)

4) Basic infrastructure support in establishing a community own cottage industry and employment generation for women and youth people to address the issues of girls trafficking, youth those are easily lured and oftern manipulated by changing political atmosphere in underdeveloped countries like Nepal

5) Capacity building of Allo groups and federation for improved business collaboration

6) Research on Allo (Girardina diversifolia) and Kulung culture

7) Research on sustainable Allo (Girardina diversifolia) and other natural fibre harvesting techniques

8) Research on more efficient and better processing techniques and technologies for allo and other natural fibres

9) Research on other natural fibres cultivation and processing techniques

10) Research on natural fibre products' markets
© 2010 HNFF